LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Colonel David P. Blanks upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the
United States Air Force

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those remarkable individuals who honorably and courageously
serve their country in order to protect the life and liberty of our
citizens, and whose military service, professional lives, and civic
endeavors serve to enhance the stature of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Colonel David P. Blanks upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force to be
celebrated at a ceremony held in his honor on Monday, September 28,
2015, in Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, David P. Blanks graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree
from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987; he also completed
master's degrees in Business Administration and Systems Engineering, as
well as in Military Operational Arts and Science and Strategic Studies;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed airman worked on numerous aircraft engineering
and test analysis assignments before being selected as Air Officer
Commanding of Cadet Squadron 4, at the United States Air Force Academy
where he was responsible for supervising 110 cadets and making recommen-
dations for commissions; and
WHEREAS, Following a year spent in residence at the Air Command and
Staff College, Colonel David P. Blanks served as a Staff Officer to the
United States Air Forces in Europe in Ramstein, Germany; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Colonel David P. Blanks was deployed in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he bravely
served as Chief, Policy and Strategy, Office of Military Cooperation;
and
WHEREAS, Colonel David P. Blanks was named inaugural Commander of the
421st Air Base Squadron at RAF Menwith Hill, United Kingdom, in 2005; at
this time, his efforts were vital in overseeing the operations of over
300 personnel in five flights providing personnel, logistics, medical,
communication and service support; and
WHEREAS, Colonel David P. Blanks attended the Air War College in 2007,
and, subsequently, was named Associate Director and Commander of Detach-
ment 7, Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate where he
fulfilled comprehensive mission support duties; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his most recent assignment, Colonel David P. Blanks
served as the Commander of the 321st Expeditionary Mission Support Advi-
sory Group in Tikrit, Iraq; during this time, he led his group in
providing complete base support mentoring at six sites across Iraq, and
expertly served as Senior Advisor to the Iraq Air Force Academy; and
WHEREAS, In August of 2011, Colonel David P. Blanks became the Comman-
der of the Rome Research Site, and the Deputy Director of the Air Force
Research Laboratory, Information Directorate; and
WHEREAS, Proven to be an outstanding leader, Colonel David P. Blanks
served with loyalty, honor, and distinction as the Installation Comman-
der for over 2,500 personnel; he played a key role in overseeing a
significant annual budget, and also directed the activities of approxi-
mately 810 military and civilian scientists, engineers, administrative
and support personnel; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, Colonel David P. Blanks was governed by
a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;

he has truly earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his
colleagues; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous honors for his dedicated service to
the Air Force, Colonel David P. Blanks has been awarded the Bronze Star
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four oak leaf clusters), Air Force
Commendation Medal (one oak leaf cluster), Joint Service Achievement
Medal (one oak leaf cluster), and Air Force Achievement Medal (two oak
leaf clusters); and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Colonel David P. Blanks upon the occasion of his retirement
after many years of distinguished service to the United States Air
Force; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel David P. Blanks.